Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to EsNEWS. Check back regularly for more videos.

Unbeaten, 25-year-old, Mexican-born, IBO and WBC silver belt king Abner Mares (21-0-1, 13 knockouts), of Montebello, Calif., has rebounded from a near career-ending detatched retina three years ago to become a man whom some consider to be among the best in the sport.

The opening semifinal bouts of the tournament took place on Dec. 11, during which Mares won a clash over the 35-year-old Darchinyan that featured a knockdown by each fighter. Mares was coming off May’s disputed majority draw with the 31-year-old Perez.

Perez lost the other Dec. 11 semifinal — and a rematch in the second defense of his crown — against the 30-year-old Agbeko — the man Perez won the belt from by unanimous decision on Halloween of 2009.

Just three months earlier in July of 2009, Agbeko had earned a unanimous decision over Darchinyan for the same IBF crown.

Mares (pictured above, at right) spoke to EsNews during a recent press conference touting the bouts and shed his thoughts on Agbeko, as well as eight-division champion and WBO welterweight (147 pounds) king, Manny Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs), who is promoted by Top Rank Promotions.

Promoters Gary Shaw, Don King and Golden Boy Promotions are responsible for the event.